Research Assistant Program (RAP)

As a Research Assistant Program (RAP) participant, you will have a unique opportunity to acquire valuable real-world work experience in the IMF’s operational and policy work, use and improve your quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, increase your knowledge of technology, information systems, and the Web, as well as your research abilities. The program lasts for two years and we hire RAPs from around the world. Former RAPs have gone on to successful careers in a wide variety of analytical roles, many securing places in top academic institutions.

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What Would I do

As a RAP, you will typically support the work of IMF economists. Duties may include:

  • Researching, collecting, and compiling information
  • Maintaining and updating quantitative and qualitative economic, financial, or statistical databases
  • Processing, consolidating, and transforming data sets within and between databases using statistical and/or econometric techniques
  • Evaluating economic, financial, or statistical relationships in databases
  • Analyzing economic time series data
  • Designing systems to facilitate interfaces or to transfer data between external and in-house databases

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    Who Should Apply

    You must have:

  • Recently completed a bachelor’s degree in economics, computer science, statistics, math, or business administration. (Candidates with advanced degrees in the same relevant field may be considered with limited combined professional experience).
  • At least a 3.5 GPA (cumulative) in both your principal field of study and in your overall academic program. Final academic transcripts verifying the required GPA must be submitted prior to appointment.

    • RAP Participants are hired on a wide geographical basis. All positions are located at the IMF Headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C.

    Locally-based candidates (residing in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area) pursuing or holding a master’s degree may be eligible to apply to the Research Assistant vacancies outside of the RAP.

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    How to Apply

    Vacancies will be posted to Workday periodically throughout the year based on availability of positions. Applications from all geographical areas are welcome for the RAP. Subscribing to receive email notifications for new positions through Workday is encouraged.